Understanding the population
Census
A census of population has been carried out in Great Britain every ten years since 1801 (with the exception of 1941) and is the only peacetime activity involving everyone in the country. It is a huge logistical operation, involving printing, delivering and collecting questionnaires from 25 million households in a four– to six–week period, followed by processing data and disseminating results. The current census is used to allocate approximately £120 billion of resources to local authorities and the health service. The next census is planned for spring 2011.
ONS Centre for Demography
The Centre aims to provide world–class statistics and analysis on the UK's population and its demographic characteristics, as well as advice on its management. It covers population estimates, sub–national population projections, migration statistics, families and family formation statistics, fertility statistics and other demographic analysis of population, including ethnic groups and the aged. All of this is crucial information for resource allocation, planning, policy formulation and research.
Regional, Local and Neighbourhood Statistics
Our reporting and analysis activity has been expanded to meet increasing demands for accessible and coherent statistical information at regional, local and neighbourhood level. Recent years have seen an increasing focus on providing statistics for individual neighbourhoods to contribute to the Government's National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal. This strategy aims to bridge the gap between the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of England and, in the poorest neighbourhoods, to achieve lower long–term worklessness, less crime, better health, better qualifications, and improved housing and physical environment.
